Riviera Connect Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Ellen Thieman of Tomlinson Solutions, and Charley Mann, Colette Dalton and construction student Amelia from South Devon College to talk honestly about apprenticeships, confidence and what it really takes to bridge the gap between education and employment. From personal setbacks to practical solutions, this conversation explores how young people can move from uncer...

For more than five decades, Jim Parker has helped shape how Torbay sees itself and how the rest of the country sees us too. As Editor of Torbay Weekly, former Editor of the Herald Express, and Chair of the Torbay Place Leadership Board, Jim has been at the centre of some of the Bay’s most important conversations. From helping secure millions in regeneration funding to championing a united voice in...

In this episode of the Riviera Connect Podcast, we sit down with Chris Coward, Managing Director of Clear Sky Publishing Ltd, whose career spans more than forty years in UK and European media. From his early days in the mid eighties through senior posts at DMGT, Northcliffe, Local World, Trinity Mirror and Reach, Chris has been at the centre of newsroom change, large-scale integrations and the lon...

In this episode of the Riviera Connect Podcast , we sit down with Steve Reynolds, Chair of the Torbay Business Forum and one of the most respected figures in the English Riviera’s business community. From his early career at Barclays to his current leadership roles across multiple organisations, Steve brings warmth, wisdom and unwavering commitment to everything he does. We explore how he balances...

In this episode of the Riviera Connect Podcast , weexplore what it really means for businesses and charities to lead with purpose, from building a mission-led organisation to strengthening community connections. Simon Beer Simon Beer, Managing Director of Bigwave Marketing, shareshow becoming a B Corporation has helped align growth with genuine social impact. He talks about Bigwave’s mission to ma...

John Currie, Community Development and Fundraising Lead at YMCA South Devon, joins us to talk about the incredible range of services the charity provides for children, young people and families across the community. We discuss how local people can get involved in supporting their vital work, from education and wellbeing to youth development and housing. John highlights the charity’s Alternative Pr...

Simon Steer, Commercial agent at Konsileo Insurance Torbay and Teignbridge, joins us to talk about building genuine relationships within the local business community. As proud sponsors of Riviera Connect, the Torbay Business Forum and The Riviera Connect Podcast, he shares how Konsileo focuses on listening to business owners, understanding their needs and delivering insurance solutions that are cl...

Jason Parry, Multi-Site General Manager at The Fragrance Group, joins us to talk about managing two of Paignton’s most prominent hotels: The Mercure and Ibis Styles. Representing The Mercure at the Riviera Connect Expo, Jason shares how his team turned heads by bringing a full-sized hotel bed to their stand, a creative and memorable way to start conversations about their offers, facilities, and up...

Jordan Bond, Senior Sales Manager at Team Factors, joins us to talk about how the company is helping businesses improve their cash flow and grow with confidence. As Gold Sponsors of the Torbay Business Forum, Team Factors are strong supporters of local enterprise and business development. Jordan shares how their fast and flexible funding solutions enable businesses to raise invoices and receive up...

Christopher Linton, Private Client Partner at Wollens, talks about the firm’s long-standing history in Torquay and its deep roots in the local community. As a Gold Sponsor of both the Riviera Connect Expo and the Torbay Business Forum, Wollens continues to champion business growth and collaboration across Devon. We discuss the company’s evolution, its founders and people, the story behind their st...

Gareth Watton, Head of Business at Ocean BMW and MINI, joins us to talk about the dealership’s strong community presence across Torbay and their role as sponsors of both the Riviera Connect Expo and the Torbay Business Forum. We discuss the power of local networking, how partnerships are driving business growth, and their upcoming collaboration with The Mercure and Datel Electrical for an Electric...

Richard Netherclift, Managing Director of Insignia Creative, discusses how his team is leading the AI revolution in Torbay. Joined by eBusiness Director Peter Blackler, Richard presented Shaping the Future of AI in Torbay , an open roundtable and the first-ever #TorbAI community meet-up at the Riviera Connect Expo. Together they explored how local businesses, organisations and individuals can coll...

Sam Webber, Founder of That Crafty Stitch, joins us to share her journey from launching an online craft brand in 2020 to building an award-winning retail shop on Torquay’s high street. We talk about the creativity and community behind her success, the rise of mindful crafting, and her upcoming talk at the Riviera Connect Expo on creating authentic founder content. Sam also reveals details of her n...

Michael Bailey, Owner of MD Elite Cleaning Services, talks about the company’s growth in Torbay, Birmingham and London, and how their team delivers top-quality domestic and commercial cleaning services. We discuss their commitment to reliability and customer care, the addition of the MD Launderette, and how the business continues to build its reputation across multiple regions. MD Elite Cleaning S...

Troy Wheeler, Group Managing Director at Tomlinson Solutions, shares how the company has achieved record growth, earned multiple award nominations and built a reputation for world-class IT services in Torbay. We discuss their role within the Torbay Hi-Tech Cluster, how they’re driving digital transformation across the region, and what success at the Riviera Connect Expo means for their team and cl...

In this episode, we speak with Andrew Clancy, founder and Managing Director of Coreus Group. Coreus is a growing consultancy working across the built environment sector. It is known for strong technical delivery and an even stronger focus on its people. Under Andrew’s leadership, Coreus has grown from a startup into a national business with a reputation for doing things differently. Coreus is a 2-...

In this episode of the Riviera Connect Podcast we welcome Michael Westcott and Mark Bowes-Cavanagh, co-chairs of Torquay United Football Club to talk about the club’s remarkable renewal. After navigating one of the most challenging chapters in its history Torquay United is now firmly focused on its future on and off the pitch. Michael and Mark share their vision for a financially sustainable club...

In this episode of the Riviera Connect Podcast, we are joined by Tarah Gear, Director of Brand and Place Futures, and Martin Tresidder, Development Director at Milligan. Milligan has been appointed as a development partner to work alongside Torbay Council and Willmott Dixon to help deliver long-term regeneration across the Bay. Tarah and Martin share how Milligan approaches placemaking and develop...

In this episode of the Riviera Connect Podcast , we speak with John Baker, Chief Executive of Newton Abbot Racecourse , whose lifelong love for horse racing began with Red Rum’s legendary Grand National win. From his career beginnings in journalism to leading Aintree Racecourse and now guiding one of Britain’s oldest independent courses, John shares a powerful vision for the future of Newton Abbot...

Redefining Connection with John Harvey, Founder of The Samphire Club In this episode of the Riviera Connect Podcast , we’re joined by John Harvey, founder of The Samphire Club and a trusted connector in the South West business scene. Known for curating meaningful business relationships grounded in trust and generosity, John shares his thoughts on leadership, slow networking, and the art of buildin...

In this episode of the Riviera Connect Podcast , we sit down with Jon-Paul Hedge, Interim Place Manager at Torbay Council and strategic lead behind the Torbay Story. From his roots in local journalism to his leadership roles in culture and communications, Jon-Paul brings a fresh perspective on how storytelling, civic pride and community engagement are helping shape Torbay’s future. We talk place-m...

In this episode of the Riviera Connect Podcast, we sit down with Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive of the English Riviera BID Company, and a leading figure in the transformation of Torbay’s tourism economy. Carolyn shares her leadership journey, the strategic vision behind year-round tourism, and the innovations driving the English Riviera’s £500 million visitor economy. We discuss the impact of...

The Riviera Connect Podcast is a series of interviews with business leaders from across the English Riviera, running throughout the year in the lead-up to the Riviera Connect Expo on Thursday 16 October 2025. We explore the stories, insights and ambitions shaping business, tourism and hospitality in our region. Presented in collaboration with the English Riviera BID Company and the Torbay Business...